The topic of intestinal parasites and their prevalence is hotly debated in functional medicine. Furthermore, the increasing trend of people performing a ‘parasite cleanse’ of the GI tract can be dangerous. Parasites are diagnosed in the stool using microscopy, direct exam, and PCR – but even then, not all parasites should be treated. Some can cause significant illness, yet others are not invasive, self-limiting, and considered nonpathogenic.

In today's episode, we give a refresher course on gut parasites, discuss different ways to assess them, and introduce the topic of nonpathogenic parasites that don’t need to be treated.  

Today on The Lab Report:

• 3:50 Prevalence and transmission of parasites
• 6:45 What is a parasite? Are there nonpathogenic parasites?
• 8:10 3 main classes of parasites
• 10:20 Detecting parasites in the stool
• 13:10 Nonpathogenic parasites
  • Chilomastix mesnili, Endolimax nana, Entamoeba coli, Entamoeba dispar, Entamoeba hartmanni, Entamoeba polecki, Iodamoeba buetschlii

• 16:50 Potentially pathogenic parasites
• 19:25 Question of the Day
  • Why doesn’t Genova offer sensitivities for parasites on the GI Effects?

Additional Resources:

GI Effects Stool Profile

Subscribe, Rate, & Review The Lab Report

Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of The Lab Report, presented by Genova Diagnostics, with your hosts Michael Chapman and Patti Devers. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button and give us a rating or leave a review.

Don’t forget to visit our website, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Email Patti and Michael with your most interesting and pressing questions on functional medicine: podcast@gdx.net.

And, be sure to share your favorite Lab Report episodes with your friends and colleagues on social media to help others learn more about Genova and all things related to functional medicine and specialty lab testing.

To find a qualified healthcare provider to connect you with Genova testing, or to access select products directly yourself, visit Genova Connect.

Disclaimer: The content and information shared in The Lab Report is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. The views and opinions expressed in The Lab Report represent the opinions and views of Michael Chapman and Patti Devers and their guests.